Guest Blogger : Gudrun Willcocks talks VICTORIA’S ‘SECRET’

This weeks fabulous guest blogger is the lovely Gudrun Willcocks, she is a fashion journalist based in Sydney.  Gudrun has contributed to Style.com, Chinese Vogue, Australian Vogue and the academic publication, Vestoj amongst others. Gudrun is particularly interested in the psychology of fashion, the progression of ethics within the luxury sector of design and hemlines.

VICTORIA’S ‘SECRET’

Victoria’s Secret is the most successful lingerie company in the world but is their ideology an inspiration or a recipe for insanity? Gudrun Willcocks finds out.

So here’s the truth: I am obsessed with the brand Victoria’s Secret. Not the underwear itself (Too bling for my liking), but the company, the business, the vision and of course, the models.

For me, catching up on Alessandra Ambrosio’s most recent mothering feats is a pastime I take great pleasure in.  Articulating aspects of Doutzen Kroes’ method for keeping in shape is a daily ritual. And Miranda Kerr? Well, what can’t she do?

So, when I was asked to write this story on lingerie and empowerment the first thing that came to mind was their Diamond studded bra. Waltzing down the 2011 catwalk on Kerr’s post-pregnant bust, it was to me, a glowing metaphor for women’s modern-day emancipation.

However, is it? Is a model body, an angelic face and a diamond-studded anything really the full articulation of a woman’s spirit? Or is it just, as research suggests, another form of oppression? The model’s struts and cheeky grins ‘signal’ that they have a well-formed embracement of their assets, but how close to the truth is this? And furthermore, is it the lingerie or the ideal: the husbands, the glamour and the hundreds of hours of gym training and no-carb diets that have women hooked? Victoria’s Secret is after all, the most successful brand in the world.

Naturally, I revert to my friends on the issue and all aspects considered; it seems the company have a winning formula. Between a group of fifteen, thirty to fifty-something mothers and entrepreneurs, almost all felt better in stylish or sexy lingerie, many reporting it made them feel better, not just their significant other. Several described the show as “inspiring’ or ‘alluring’  – though some admitted it was ‘fantasy’ orientated – and most would buy the brand it if it was readily in Australia. Only three heavily criticized it.

Criticism, none-the-less, is what the statistics support. “It’s a certain form of sexual power that does not express real power. I don’t think it’s empowering ” said one veteran businesswoman: a point of view supported by the University of Mary Washington’s 2011 study into the links between women’s sexuality and their self esteem.

In the UMW’s study, a team of psychologists set out to discern whether women felt more ennobled or afflicted by their identification with a sexualized image.  The results revealed that women who enjoy sexualisation – this includes sexy get-up and suggestive clothing – are more likely to agree with a sexist view of women and more inclined to agree with traditional female values such as ‘there are many jobs in which men should be given preference over women’ and ‘women should be protected by men’. In addition, women who reported they ‘enjoy the positive attention of men for their appearance’  are also more likely to view their bodies as ‘objects’ and thus, worry when their appearance does not measure up to a standard of female beauty.

So what is the answer? Does this mean that we have to burn out lacey bras and knickers again? Just when it seems we have made enough progress that these extremes are no longer necessary? If I were a hardcore femininst, perhaps I would make a stand. As a fifty something woman commented to me on the street “we fought hard for our place in the boardroom and now my daughter is obsessed with a company – Victoria’s Secret – that is all about masculine ideals of beauty, again. It scares me”.

However, I’m not. Despite my ambition for women to grow in leaps and bounds, I don’t feel we need forgo aesthetics under all circumstances just to make a counter-argument. At the end of the day, I think fashion is for function, formality, and to help you feel fabulous.  If a lacey pair of knickers ticks all of the above, then I’m in but I would also say the same for something more minimalist. Life can be for enjoyment and ideologies, I say.

Guest Blogger : Abeer Maktabi CSM Student Creates her Bravolution with a focus on Middle East Women & Charity

Late last year we were contacted by this weeks inspired Guest Blogger Abeer Maktabi. Abeer a fabulous CSM (Central St Martin’s) fashion student interviewed Harlette as part of her bravolution dissertation.

We followed up with her a few weeks ago to check how her project was progressing and invited her to be this weeks Guest Blogger.

Abeer had contacted Reem Asaad in 2012 in Saudi Arabia to discuss her dissertation and Reem suggested that Abeer discuss with the project with Harlette.  Abeer and Harlette discussed the project via Skype, and part of the interview was included in the CSM project.

We are excited to share Abeer’s inspiration and vision as its focus is on the Middle East, Women and Charity.

CSM Thesis Project  : BRAVOLUTION

BRAVOLUTION (Bra+Revolution) is a social enterprise project, which uses the bra to support women victimised by sexual harassment and domestic violence in the Middle East. The bra is a garment that categorises the female gender as a woman and a tool that supports a woman’s body, which BRAVOLUTION aims to use metaphorically to support their human rights.

Bravolution brings awareness, women solidarity and a platform for feminist activism. It uses the elite and the educated category of people to bring help to NGOs and women’s organisations. A collection of bra is exclusively designed for purchase as a sign of support for BRAVOLUTION in order to raise profit and share it with the organisations in the Middle East.

By doing this strategy, financial support will be given to lobbyists and policy-makers to work on changing the laws and on raising awareness. Through this bra, I am bringing out a new, stronger and more confidant woman.

This project is based on the creative process, rather than the shiny object.

BRAVOLUTION© from Abeer Maktabi on Vimeo.

The direct link to the video is here https://vimeo.com/55352832

The details of her project can also be found here

http://mscatalyst.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/interview-with-creative-aiming-to.html

Guest Blogger: Rachael Job has done her research into lingerie in Saudi Arabia

Recently we were contacted by a British University student Rachael Job, to be interviewed as part of  work for her dissertation. It caught our attention as it was on a topic very dear to our heart Reem Asaad and lingerie in Saudi Arabia.

We have invited Rachael to be this weeks Guest Blogger. Enjoy.

Guest Blogger Rachael Job has done her research into lingerie in Saudi Arabia

Rachael Job travelled to the UAE in the summer of 2012 and she noticed that there were only women working in the lingerie stores. She decided to find out more.

Reem Asaad, a financial advisor in Saudi Arabia, began a lingerie campaign against men working in lingerie stores in Saudi in 2008.  Hundreds of women were either choosing to not buy new underwear or were leaving stores in the kingdom red in the face with embarrassment. Men had to pick out underwear for the women in the stores and many women in the kingdom were extremely uncomfortable with this. Saudi Arabia is a gender segregated kingdom meaning that men and women rarely ever come face to face, except for in lingerie stores, which seemed ridiculous to Reem.

Reem Asaad creator of the KSA Lingerie Campaign

Thousands of women joined Reem in her campaign; in 2009 Harlette came to Saudi and spent 10 days training women in selling underwear. In 2011 King Abdullah announced that a royal decree would be put in place banning men from working in all lingerie stores. This later also applied to cosmetic stores.

Women now work in the lingerie stores and this has changed the face of lingerie in the Kingdom. Women are now more economically stable, they are more personal and they have independence. Also lingerie has boomed in terms of sales which show more women are happy to buy underwear in the Kingdom than ever before.

Extract of Dissertation

Rachael has kindly shared a key component her interview with Reem Asaad from her dissertation with us please enjoy.

Interview with Reem Asaad

The three year lingerie campaign for Reem was not just about male sales assistants, or women feeling awkward when purchasing items but it is about women being the reason behind legislation, “It is not just about one key change, it is about women being at the forefront of policy, women travelling to work every day, having medical care for the first time in their lives and daring to dream of retirement benefits.”  All Saudi and expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia are set tax free salaries with free healthcare and retirement benefits.

The esteemed Arabian Business Power list 500 2012 ranked Reem in third place, she is the first ever woman to be ranked in the top ten. “We chose Reem because the issue of female employment in Saudi Arabia is one of the most pressing problems that the country faces at the moment,” said Edward Attwood, the Editor at Arabian Business. Attwood also commented on how Reem’s campaign should entice Saudi to allow more women to work in the private sector, “If Saudi Arabia is to truly recognise its economic potential, and diversify itself away from oil; it really needs to create meaningful jobs for women in the private sector. So while the casual observer might assume that allowing women to work in lingerie stores isn’t that big a deal, it’s actually very significant in Saudi terms.”

Despite the success, Reem has a new campaign already underway, “My next goal is to make the workplace a better place for working women. It seems small but it is huge in Saudi,” Reem says. Legislation is in place that private sector companies should provide childcare facilities for working mothers but like the lingerie store legislation, it is simply not enforced at government level. Reem is currently campaigning to make private sector companies abide by the law and provide childcare facilities. “The approach that I take is that I target unimplemented laws and regulations. Every organisation that employs a certain amount of women (1-50) must have some kind of day-care facility but 95 per cent of them don’t abide by that rule because women didn’t (used to) work in mixed private sector organisations but now they do,” says Reem.

In Saudi Arabia, where gender segregation is firmly enforced and women need permission from a close male such as their husband or father to work and travel, employment had traditionally been seen as an all-male preserve but King Abdullah, known for his modest social reform, is now pushing for women to enter the workforce in Saudi.

“My next fight will be for women to be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Every bit of difference I make to women’s rights will enhance their position economically and socially,” says Reem.

Throughout the campaign Reem had specified that she is not against men, “I am not trying to attack these men working in the stores, there are many good things and solid values that characterize Saudi society, but it goes against Saudi life to have a man selling a woman a personal and intimate item that should only be seen by her husband,” says Reem.

Here is what Rachael had to say about Harlette’s assistance to the KSA Lingerie Campaign.

Harlette lingerie, an exclusive couture lingerie range based in London and Sydney, approached Reem and asked if she would like assistance with her campaign as Harlette has experience in international speaking/ training. “It was clear that women needed training and support prior to entering the stores for the campaign to be a success,” said Harlette. Harlette came to Saudi in 2009 and conducted 10 days of training for the women in Jeddah.  “The teaching was a true gift, to meet so many amazing women all with one purpose to learn something new, to gain employment and the laughter that we shared along the journey was great.” Harlette visited lingerie ranges, undertook lectures and trained women one on one whilst in Saudi and they say they were thrilled to hear that the royal decree was passed in 2011. “What was amazing was that everyone let go of their fears and people were able to measure by the end of the first day, it was an experience that I will treasure,” says Harlette.

Postcards from Paris

Snow Snow Snow and more Snow, with the collection getting almost stuck in London, getting to the 50th Anniversary Paris Lingerie Show this year is an adventure all on it’s own, but that is a story for another time.

On Stand B80 our little pocket of Paris Heaven, the new pieces look stunning, lots of people are having fun coming up and touching the fabulous feathers and leaving with a smile.

We have a few Postcards from Paris to share with you for your enjoyment.

Huntress Savannah Launched Paris Lingerie Show Jan 2013

Crystal Palace Harlette Couture Launched Paris Lingerie Show Jan 2013

Crème Contessa launched Paris Lingerie Show Jan 2013 made with SWAROVSKI elements

Enchantress Electra launched Paris Lingerie Show Jan 2013 made with SWAROVSKI elements

Merry XMAS Wrapping up 2012 Lara Stone wears Harlette in the Daily Mail & Mirror for i-D Magazine

The amazing shot  by Daniele & Lango  of Lara Stone from i-D Magazine Wise Up Edition wearing Harlette appeared in the Daily Mail and the Mirror late this year. The Buzz around Lara in this picture was around her pregnancy captions read like this

Lara shows no sign of a baby bump in the Agent Provocateur pants and Harlette shirt.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2236475/Lara-Stone-naked-photos-iD-Magazine-No-sign-baby-bump.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/lara-stone-claims-shes-shy-1451701

i-D Magazine nº322: ‘The Wise Up Issue’

Model: Lara Stone

Photography: Daniele Duella and Iango Henzi

Fashion Editor: Charlotte Stockdale

A big thank you to Charlotte Stockdale & Melissa

Where ever you are in the world

To get Lara’s Look

Lara Stone wears Couture Harlette Black Label :Northern Lights

 You can order from flagship online store using this link below

http://www.harlette.com/luxury-lingerie/secret-diary/northern-lights-couture-housecoat/

It has a matching couture lingerie set & catsuit as well

http://www.harlette.com/luxury-lingerie/secret-diary/northern-lights-tie-me-up-bralette/

http://www.harlette.com/luxury-lingerie/secret-diary/northern-lights-tie-me-down-knickers/

http://www.harlette.com/luxury-lingerie/secret-diary/northern-lights-couture-crystal-catsuit/

LARA + LAETITIA WISE UP FOR i-D wearing HARLETTE

Crowned the Queens of Curvature

 Lara Stone + Laetitia Casta in Harlette

i-D Magazine nº322: ‘The Wise Up Issue’

Models: Lara Stone and Laetitia Casta

Photography: Daniele Duella and Iango Henzi

Fashion Editor: Charlotte Stockdale

Make-up: Stephane Marais at L’Atelier

Hair: Luigi Murenu for John Frieda

Lara Stone wears Northern Lights Couture Gown by Harlette

Laetitia Casta wears Harlette Platinum H Clasp Knicker & Heiress Cami

Laetitia Casta wears Harlette Platinum Lingerie Heart Suspender Clips

First Look: Sophia South Sea Pearl Lingerie by Harlette

Last week Harlette Luxury Lingerie launched the new world class first of its kind Sophia range featuring South Sea Pearls

Lingerie insight had this to say

Harlette Luxury Lingerie has launched a new bespoke style, featuring real pearls.

The couture commission for the label’s new Sophia range consists of a black velvet luxury lingerie soft cup bra and knickers, each individually set with its own South Sea Pearl that conceals a clasp

to read more http://www.lingerieinsight.com/article-2813-harlette-launches-south-sea-pearl-knickers/

A closer  look at the south sea pearl made available via harlette lingerie’s pinterest  is featured below

Luhho had this to say

Sofisticadas y sensuales, estas prendas de lencería son como una caricia para quien las porta y un destello para quien observa esa perfección que Harlette Pearl hace evidente desde su nombre, recordando aquellas joyas misteriosas y tan deseadas por muchos.

http://www.luhho.com/moda/29-moda/8932-harlette-pearl-lenceria-de-ensueno.html

 

Yahoo Finance Singapore also featured the story to read more

http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/harlette-announces-south-sea-pearl-104200982.html

 

Harlette Announces the South Sea Pearl Luxury Lingerie Set

LONDON, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Harlette Luxury Lingerie launches South Sea Pearls into a first-of-its-kind, world-class, unique statement in super luxury lingerie.

The couture commission for new Sophia range features a black velvet luxury lingerie soft cup bra and knickers each individually set with their own South Sea Pearl that cleverly and discretely conceals a clasp.

With three luxurious South Sea Pearls in total, this is a world class piece of distinction for lovers of fine luxury and exquisite jewellery.

This bespoke commission piece can be ordered directly at the Harlette private membership shopping site listed as the 5th most unique in the world. Bespoke options include the South Sea Pearls set in Platinum, Rose Gold or Yellow Gold. Yellow pearls are also available for the most serious pearl lover and price is on application. More details can be discovered at http://www.harlette.com/platinum-label/ and email enquiries can be sent to pearl@harlette.com.

Whats Your Flavour of Luxury?

 

We thought this week we would ask you about your flavour of Luxury and match your flavour to our Harlette Labels

Is your luxury flavour like Peppermint, very uplifting, cool and calm.

Harlette Luxury Lingerie launched its affordable luxury pearl label in Paris at the Paris Lingerie Fair in Jan 2012.

The collection features, Marianne, Opera Nights & Paris Perfection all featuring made with Swarovski Elements.

features a series of pieces, with prices coming in under £50 for a bra or a knicker.

Products include Marianne in light pink and Opera Nights in black satin, both made with Swarovski Elements, and Paris Perfection in sheer black with a spot.

To view the collection please see http://www.harlette.com/pearl-label/

Is your luxury flavour like Expresso Coffee, warm, enlightening and a hint of the exotic

Harlette’s Super Luxury Lingerie Black Label also features made with Swarovski Elements with new pieces being added to the Double Trouble range. The Double Trouble range was made famous when it was selected by Billie Piper to feature in Secret Diary season four as one of the lingerie sets that she wore during the series. Made with Harlette’s signature lace, made in France layered over silk Double Trouble is luxury at its best. AW12/13 Double Trouble features a Kimono, & Luxury Lingerie Tie Me Up Bralette, and Tie Me Down Knickers, and Catsuit.

To view the black label collection by Harlette that’s been worn in Maxim by English Beauty Queen’s Rissikat Bade, Jessica Linely, Hollie Dowding, Melissa Reeves and Naomi Young please see http://www.harlette.com/black-label/

Or is your luxury flavour like Chocolate Chillie a little too hot to handle and needs to be handled with special care

Harlette also has a couture concierge service that caters to bespoke commissions including precious metals and stones that have been patented. This service is not for everyone and is an exclusive membership service listed as the 5^th most unique in the world by the economic times. Harlette’s Platinum label will be releasing their south sea pearl piece later this year to celebrate the launch of the Pearl label and Swim Collection. To learn more about applying for membership please see http://www.harlette.com/platinum-label/

 

Harlette congratulates the Australian ladies swimming 100m*4 freestyle team for winning Gold on the first day of the Olympics in London well done ladies what an image of teamwork.  The Queensland quartet of Alicia Coutts, Cate Campbell, Brittany Elmslie and Melanie Schlanger won in an Olympic record time of three minutes, 33.15 seconds.

 

Congratulations Reem Asaad – Highest New Entry Power 500 List – Arabian News

Our good friend Reem Asaad and inspiration behind the the KSA Lingerie Campaign that Harlette ran the training for back in 2009, is the Highest new entry on the Power List 500 by Arabian News and the highest ranked woman.

According to Arabian News

“Reem Asaad entered the Power 500 list as the highest ranked women and the highest new entry. It was four years ago when she first launched a campaign calling for better employment opportunities for women and improved consumer rights. The “Lingerie Campaign” gained international recognition stirring many underlying issues about women in Saudi Arabia. She argued that women should be allowed to work in lingerie shops in the Kingdom. Last July, her campaign paid off when the Saudi Labour Ministry banned men from working in lingerie shops after a directive from King Abdullah – in an instant, creating 44,000 jobs for women.”

Congratulations Reem to read the whole article please click here http://power500.arabianbusiness.com/power-500-2012/news/culture-society/2012/jun/4/252876/